U.S. patent application number 11/604158 was filed with the patent office on 2008-05-29 for cashless vending system and method.
Invention is credited to Robert Lovett.
Application Number | 20080126261 11/604158 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39464888 |
Filed Date | 2008-05-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080126261 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lovett; Robert |
May 29, 2008 |
Cashless vending system and method
Abstract
A system and method for activating a vending machine utilizing a
wireless link to a cell phone in conjunction with a security
feature using a finger print reader or personal identification
number (PIN). An account is established with a payment processing
center (PPC) who oversees the movement and distribution of payments
from a cell phone account to a vending machine account. Account
information is maintained in the cell phone and in the vending
machine and may be communicated to the PPC at a later time after
the transaction. The wireless link may be Bluetooth.RTM.,
Zigbee.RTM., infrared, or other short range wireless
technology.
Inventors: |
Lovett; Robert; (Finger,
TN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JAMES RICHARDS
58 BONING RD
FAYETTEVILLE
TN
37334
US
|
Family ID: |
39464888 |
Appl. No.: |
11/604158 |
Filed: |
November 25, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
705/72 ; 705/13;
705/17; 705/64 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 20/18 20130101;
G06Q 20/327 20130101; G06Q 20/204 20130101; G06Q 20/4012 20130101;
G06Q 20/32 20130101; G07F 17/24 20130101; G06Q 20/382 20130101;
G06Q 20/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/72 ; 705/17;
705/13; 705/64 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 20/00 20060101
G06Q020/00; G07B 15/00 20060101 G07B015/00; H04L 9/00 20060101
H04L009/00 |
Claims
1. A system for vending a product or service comprising: an account
at a payment processing center; a cell phone, said cell phone
comprising a memory containing account information relating to said
account and further comprising a first short range wireless
transceiver; and a vending machine, said vending machine comprising
a second short range wireless transceiver for communication with
said cell phone, and said vending machine further comprising a
vending machine memory; wherein said cell phone sends said account
information to said vending machine, said vending machine receives
a product selection, said vending machine records sale transaction
information in accordance with said account information and said
product selection, said recording being directed to said vending
machine memory, and said vending machine delivers said product or
service in response to said product selection; said system further
including a storage device for transferring and storing said sale
transaction information from said vending machine memory at a time
after the delivery of said product; said sale transaction
information further transferred to said payment processing center
from said storage device for applying said sale transaction
information to said account; wherein a copy of said sale
transaction information is transferred to said cell phone and
subsequently transferred to said payment processing center through
a cell phone network for comparing with said sale transaction
information transferred from said storage device to said payment
processing center.
2. (canceled)
3. The system as in claim 1, wherein said vending machine comprises
a food vending machine or a beverage vending machine.
4. The system as in claim 1, wherein said vending machine comprises
a parking meter.
5. The system as in claim 4, wherein said parking meter is an
in-car parking meter.
6. The system as in claim 1, wherein said vending machine delivers
passage on public transportation.
7. The system as in claim 1, wherein said account information sent
to said vending machine from said cell phone is a copy of an
encrypted file in said cell phone, said vending machine decrypts
said copy of said encrypted file and updates said account
information in accordance with said sale transaction information to
produce an updated account file, said updated account file is
encrypted by said vending machine to produce an encrypted updated
account file and a copy of said encrypted updated account file is
sent to said cell phone using said second short range wireless
transceiver, said cell phone sending said copy of said encrypted
updated account file to said payment processing center after
delivery of said product or service; said payment processing center
transferring funds in accordance with said copy of said encrypted
updated account file.
8. The system as in claim 7, wherein said updated account file is
encrypted by said vending machine using fingerprint information
delivered to said vending machine from said cell phone.
9. The system as in claim 7, wherein said account information is
encrypted using a personal identification number.
10. The system as in claim 1, wherein said sale transaction
information is generated by relying on said account information
without contemporaneous communication with said payment processing
center.
11. The system as in claim 1, wherein said account information
includes a spending limit.
12. The system as in claim 1, wherein said account information is
updated in accordance with said sale transaction information
without contacting said payment processing center.
13. The system as in claim 12, wherein said account information is
updated by said vending machine to produce updated stored account
information and said updated stored account information is
transmitted to said cell phone prior to said vending said product
or service.
14. A method for vending a product or service comprising:
establishing an account with a payment processing center; storing
account information relating to said account on a cell phone;
sending said account information from said cell phone to a vending
machine over a short range wireless link; generating sale
transaction information for said product or service relating to
said account information; storing said sale transaction information
in said vending machine; delivering said product or service;
retrieving said sale transaction information from said vending
machine using a memory device; delivering said sale transaction
information to said payment processing center for debiting said
account, wherein at least one link of said delivering said sale
transaction information includes physical transportation of said
memory device; delivering a copy of said sale transaction
information to said cell phone; and delivering said copy of said
sale transaction information from said cell phone to said payment
processing center via a cell phone network after said delivering of
said product or service.
15. (canceled)
16. The method of claim 14, wherein said step of sending said
account information from said cell phone includes the steps of
copying an encrypted account file in said cell phone and sending
said copy of said encrypted account file to said vending machine;
said method further comprising the steps of: decrypting said copy
of said encrypted account file by said vending machine to expose
said account information; updating said exposed account information
with said sale transaction information to produce updated account
information; encrypting said updated account information to produce
encrypted updated account information; sending said encrypted
updated account information to said cell phone; said cell phone
subsequently sending said encrypted updated account information to
said payment processing center; and said payment processing center
transferring funds in accordance with said encrypted updated
account information.
17. The method of claim 14, wherein said sale transaction
information is generated by relying on said account information
without contemporaneous communication with said payment processing
center.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein said account information
includes a spending limit.
19. The method of claim 14, further including the step of: updating
said account information in said cell phone in accordance with said
sale transaction information.
20. The method of claim 14, further including the steps of:
updating said account information by said vending machine in
accordance with said sale transaction information to produce
updated account information; and sending said updated account
information to said cell phone.
21. The system of claim 1, wherein inventory information from said
vending machine is sent to said cell phone and said cell phone
sends said inventory information to said payment processing center
at a time after said vending of said product or service.
22. The system of claim 1, wherein said cell phone is out of range
for cell phone network coverage at the location of said vending of
said product or service, and said cell phone transmits said account
information to said payment processing center after returning to a
location where said cell phone network coverage is available.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention pertains generally to the field of
vending machines and processes, more particularly to the field of
cashless vending systems and processes.
[0003] 2. Background of the Invention
[0004] Vending machines typically comprise automated, point-of-sale
mechanical or electronic devices that dispense products such as
cold drinks and candy bars, or a service such as parking time on
automobile parking meters. Vending machines typically accept cash
in the form of coins or bills. Some machines now accept credit
cards, radio frequency identification (RFID) cards. Vending
machines have traditionally been used for the automated sale of
food and beverages, but with the recent introduction of credit
cards, items such as stamps, movie tickets, and high priced cameras
and even over the counter drugs where pharmacies are not readily
available.
[0005] Today's vending machines have several shortcomings. Cash
machines are subject to cash handling issues. Cash machines require
the exact change, or a coin changer. Coin changers are bulky,
costly to purchase and maintain since they require frequent on-site
service. Cash machines also handle a large amount of
cash--attracting vandals and thieves. Thieves may steal an entire
machine just to get the cash it stores. Credit card machines are
subject to credit card issues. Credit card machines must have a
telephone link for credit card verification, often limiting the
locations available for a machine. The phone line cost and credit
card charges narrow the profit margin for the machine, especially a
small machine. Further, credit card readers are easily jammed by
irate customers and require periodic field maintenance.
[0006] Thus, what is needed is a cashless system for vending
machines that does not require a phone line connection and does not
compromise data security of the purchase transaction between the
vending machine and customer.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Briefly, the present invention relates to a system and
method for activating a vending machine utilizing a wireless link
to a cell phone in conjunction with a security feature using a
finger print reader or personal identification number (PIN). An
account is established with a payment processing center (PPC) who
oversees the movement and distribution of payments from a cell
phone account to a vending machine account. Account information is
maintained in the cell phone and in the vending machine and may be
communicated to the PPC at a later time after the transaction. The
wireless link may be Bluetooth.RTM., Zigbee.RTM., infrared, or
other short range wireless technology.
[0008] In one embodiment, a street parking meter may communicate
with the cell phone on a wireless link to start or stop the
meter.
[0009] In one embodiment, an in-car parking meter may be used. The
in-car meter includes a display, on/off switch and clock and may
include a wireless transceiver.
[0010] In one embodiment, an in-car parking meter may be used. The
in-car meter includes a display, clock and wireless transceiver and
may be activated by a wireless transceiver contained in a cell
phone or in a standalone street meter.
[0011] In one embodiment, a beverage, food, or other vending
machine may be activated by a cell phone wireless link.
[0012] In one embodiment, a restaurant such may use the cell phone
wireless link for payment processing over the counter or drive
through lanes.
[0013] In one embodiment, a public transportation ticket system
such as busses or subway trains may be activated by the wireless
cell phone link.
[0014] In one embodiment, funds may be exchanged between two
individuals such as a taxi fare or beauty salon or sharing the cost
of dinner in a restaurant by using the cell phone wireless
link.
[0015] These and further benefits and features of the present
invention are herein described in detail with reference to
exemplary embodiments in accordance with the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0016] The present invention is described with reference to the
accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numbers
indicate identical or functionally similar elements. Additionally,
the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the drawing
in which the reference number first appears.
[0017] FIG. 1 shows a system block diagram of an exemplary vending
system in accordance with the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 2 shows a functional block diagram of an exemplary
vending machine in accordance with the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 3 shows a soft drink vending machine that has been
converted or adapted to use the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 comprise a flow chart illustrating the
steps required from account activation to transaction completion of
a purchase from the vending machine in accordance with the present
invention.
[0021] FIG. 6 shows an exemplary parking meter in accordance with
the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 7 shows the meter on a pole with a meter number posted
on the pole.
[0023] FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating the steps required for
utilizing the present invention to both park and exit a street
parking meter.
[0024] FIG. 9 shows a vending machine that vends high priced items
such as cameras, cell phones, perfume and over the counter
drugs.
[0025] FIG. 10 illustrates the entry way to a public transportation
system that has short range wireless readers for issuing
tickets.
[0026] FIG. 11 illustrates a fast food restaurant with a short
range wireless transceiver connected to a Point of Sale (POS)
system for processing food orders for both over the counter and
drive through.
[0027] FIG. 12 illustrates a piconet interconnecting a group of
vending machines being approached by a buyer with a cell phone.
[0028] FIG. 13 illustrates an in-car parking meter in accordance
with the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 14 shows the rear view of FIG. 13 with display
alternately displaying the remaining time and the meter number.
[0030] FIG. 15 illustrates an alternative in-car meter in
accordance with the present invention.
[0031] FIG. 16 shows the rear view of FIG. 15 with display
alternately displaying the remaining time and the meter number.
[0032] FIG. 17 illustrates an exchange of money by two users with
short range wireless link enabled cell phones in conjunction with a
cellular tower.
[0033] FIG. 18 shows an exemplary code table.
[0034] FIG. 19 shows a vending machine code table and shows a first
and second synchronizing data sequence.
[0035] FIG. 20 shows a first cell phone account number being
encrypted with a PIN 19:44.
[0036] FIG. 21 shows a second cell phone account number being
encrypted with a PIN 86:24.
[0037] FIG. 22 shows the first cell phone account number being
decrypted at the vending machine.
[0038] FIG. 23 shows the second cell phone account number being
decrypted at the vending machine.
[0039] FIG. 24 and FIG. 25 illustrate exemplary steps for operating
a vending machine using a PIN in accordance with the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0040] The present invention relates to a system and method for
improving the speed, ease, and security of operating an automobile
parking meter, a beverage vending machine, a transportation ticket
machine or related services using information communicated over a
short range wireless cell phone link.
[0041] The system requires no cash or coins or credit cards or
other special cards at the meter or vending machines. The parking
meter or vending machines need not be connected to a landline or
cell phone or WI-FI or otherwise be connected to any additional
communications link. This will allow low cost installation and may
fit into existing configurations. No monthly fees are needed for a
communications link from the vending machine to the PPC. The
location of the vending machine is unrestricted by any need for a
telephone line. Upgrade of most machines to include the invention
is likely possible simply by replacing a controller module.
[0042] As a further advantage, the cell phone may be used to
purchase items from a vending machine that is outside the range of
a cell tower. Since account information is maintained in the
vending machine and/or cell phone and the transaction is made based
on stored information, immediate or contemporaneous (within a few
minutes, for example, 10 minutes) contact with the PPC is not
required. Thus, a vending machine remote from a cell tower or deep
within a building may complete transactions by communicating with
the cell phone using the short range wireless link and stored
transaction information may be communicated later to the PPC via
any convenient route.
[0043] In accordance with the invention, the cell phone has an
encrypted account established by the PPC. Account information is
stored in the memory of the cell phone. The wireless link is used
to transfer funds and other account information from the cell phone
to the parking meter, vending machine, transportation authority, or
other party during each purchase or transaction. The transaction
information may later be transferred to the PPC by vendor personnel
by downloading from the vending machine during regular stocking of
the vending machine and transferring the downloaded transaction
information to the PPC when the vendor arrives back at the
warehouse.
[0044] Cell phones are increasingly adopting Bluetooth.RTM. as a
short range wireless link for downloading picture files,
configuration files, email, and other information to a computer or
other device. Bluetooth.RTM. is presently a preferred wireless link
for the present invention; however, other wireless links may be
used such as Zigbee.RTM., infrared, and others. Given the rapid
evolution of wireless technology, some presently unknown wireless
interface may be adopted as the most popular standard in the
future. It is contemplated that any short range wireless link may
be adapted to the present invention. Within this disclosure,
wireless link, wireless data link, short range link and similar
terms refer to the short range links like Bluetooth.RTM. with a
range typically 10 meters or less. Cell phone link, cell phone
network and similar terms refer to the cell phone communications
path using such standards as GSM, PCS, AMPS and others, with a
range of typically five to ten kilometers. Cell phone networks may
typically carry voice or data. A cell phone having both the cell
phone link and short range link capability is contemplated to be
used with the present invention. The term cell phone is
contemplated to include any hand held computing device
incorporating the cell phone link capability.
[0045] Cell phones are also beginning to incorporate fingerprint
reader devices for security. Fingerprint readers often take the
place of a PIN, speeding the initiation of a transaction and
freeing the user from having to remember yet another PIN or
password, which may be easily compromised. In accordance with the
present invention, a fingerprint reader may be used as part of a
security feature for initiating a transaction. In a further
embodiment, data from the fingerprint reader may be used as part of
an encryption technique. In yet another embodiment, an encryption
technique is disclosed that uses a PIN.
[0046] The present invention will now be described in greater
detail with reference to the drawings.
[0047] FIG. 1 shows a system block diagram of an exemplary vending
system in accordance with the present invention. Referring to FIG.
1, the system 100 comprises a cell phone 102 with a short range
wireless link 101 which may communicate with a vending machine 104.
The cell phone 102 is used to command the vending machine 104 and
encrypted transaction data is recorded on the cell phone 102 and
the vending machine 104.
[0048] A prospective customer first establishes an account 111 with
a payment processing center (PPC) 110. The account establishes a
spending limit in accordance with a credit limit or prepaid amount.
When the customer uses the cell phone 102 to purchase a product
from the vending machine 104, an encrypted copy of the transaction
is stored in the vending machine 104 and in the cell phone 102.
When the vendor 106 stocks the machine, the vendor 106 may read the
memory of the vending machine 104 and download all cell phone
transaction information to a storage device 105. The vendor 106
then takes the transaction information to a warehouse 108, where
the transaction information is loaded onto a computer and
communicated to the payment processing center 110. The payment
processing center may then apply the transaction information to the
account. Typically, this means subtracting the sale price from the
customer account and adding the sale price to the vending machine
company's account. Other transactions may also be performed. In an
alternative embodiment, the payment processing center 110 may be at
the warehouse 108 and/or the vending company and payment processing
company may be the same company. One advantage of transferring data
to the vendor when the machine is stocked is that monthly phone
charges for a line to the vending machine are eliminated
[0049] The customer also receives a copy of the transaction
information to maintain account status information in the cell
phone 102. Account balance and funding or credit limits may be
displayed at the cell phone 102. The customer may periodically
report transactions to the PPC through a cell phone network 112
using the cell phone transceiver 103, providing a duplicate of the
vendor's reports. If the cell phone 102 is lost or damaged, the
transaction will still be reported via the vendor. Likewise, if the
vending machine 104 is damaged or stolen, the transaction will
still be reported by the customer. The customer should be required
to periodically report to the PPC to maintain funding status and
confirm transactions on the account.
[0050] Thus, a customer may purchase an item from a vending machine
without the need for contact with the PPC until some convenient
time after (for example, one hour, one day, or one week) the
product is delivered to the customer--freeing the transaction from
phone lines or cell phone coverage at the vending location and
allowing numerous remote locations not otherwise available for
vending.
[0051] FIG. 2 shows a functional block diagram of an exemplary
vending machine in accordance with the present invention. Referring
to FIG. 2, the vending machine 104 comprises a processor 202 with
associated memory 214 and clock 212, a product dispenser 206, a
display 208, and a short range wireless transceiver 204. Operation
of the vending machine 104 is centered around the processor 202.
The processor 202 reads the selection buttons 210 and controls the
product dispenser 206 accordingly. The processor 202 may also
maintain an inventory account and may control a coin changer, if
provided (not shown). The processor also interfaces with the short
range wireless link 204 to process wireless link sales. The
processor 202 may interface with the clock 212 to record the date
and time of each transaction. The clock 212 may also be used as
part of a data encryption process. In some applications, a battery
216 may be provided for stand alone operation. The processor 202
typically includes memory 214 and may include some form of
non-volatile memory for storing transaction information safe from
power interruptions. A display 208 may be provided to indicate
product price, stock status, or transaction status.
[0052] FIG. 3 shows a soft drink vending machine 104 that has been
converted or adapted to use the present invention. FIG. 3 shows the
selection buttons 210 on the vending machine 104 and selection
numbers 304 that may be used to select product via the cell phone
102.
[0053] In accordance with the invention, the product selection may
be performed by pressing a selector button 210 on the vending
machine 104 or by selecting the product on the cell phone 102. To
support selection by cell phone 102, the vending machine 104 may
send product selection information to the cell phone 102 so that
the cell phone 102 may link cell phone buttons to the different
products and provide a product list. The customer may then scroll
through the list and select the desired product.
[0054] Alternatively, the vending machine may have product numbers
304 shown associated with the product label on the vending machine.
The product may be selected by entering the appropriate product
number 304 in the cell phone 102. One or more of the above
selection methods may be offered at a given installation.
[0055] FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 comprise a flow chart illustrating the
steps required from account activation 402 to transaction
completion 514 of a purchase from the vending machine in accordance
with the present invention.
[0056] Referring to FIG. 4, the customer first establishes 404 an
account with the PPC. The PPC may be operated by the vending
company or may be a separate entity. As a separate entity, the PPC
may serve multiple vending companies. Also, multiple PPC's may be
used with a given vending machine since PPC identification
information may be included in each transaction data file.
[0057] The account may be a prepaid account or a credit account.
The account may be tied to a bank account or credit card or other
financial arrangements may be made between the customer and the
PPC. Appropriate information such as credit limit for credit
accounts, or balance for prepaid accounts may be maintained in the
cell phone and provided for each transaction.
[0058] Once the account is established, the account may be used for
any number of transactions over any period of time as allowed by
the PPC.
[0059] To initiate a transaction, the customer enters 406 the
vending area and comes within range of the cell phone wireless
link, which may typically be 10 meters or less.
[0060] The customer then initiates vending 408 by activating the
vending feature of the cell phone. In one embodiment, the cell
phone includes a fingerprint reader, and the customer presses the
finger print reader to verify the user's identity and enable the
vending account and vending features. Fingerprint data may also be
used to encrypt account information. In another embodiment, a PIN
may be entered to enable vending features.
[0061] The customer then presses the vend key on the cell phone to
activate the soft drink vending machine's short range wireless
transceiver. By pressing the vend key the user grants permission to
the vending machines transceiver to copy 410 an encrypted file from
the cell phone's memory. The machine's processor 202 will decrypt
412 the file to discover the user's payment history and the maximum
dollar amount that can be spent at this point in time.
[0062] The vending machine now awaits the product selection 414 via
the cell phone or selection buttons, as provided for in the
particular installation. When the user presses the selection
button, the machines processor 202 will check 416 the credit limit,
and if exceeded, display 420 a message and terminate the
transaction. If not exceeded, the processor will subtract 422 the
cost of the item selected from the users account, then add a date
and time stamp and the unique identifier of the vending machine and
then (continuing on FIG. 5 through the 430 connection) encrypt 502
the file and immediately send a copy back to the user's cell phone
memory. Next the machine will vend 504 the product. This sequence
is necessary to prevent the user from deleting a record of the
transaction by turning off the cell phone to prevent the vending
machine from sending the file back to their cell phone.
[0063] As long as the customer remains in the area, the customer's
cell phone account will remain open. If the customer makes 506 a
second selection (repeat steps through the 440 connection to FIG.
4), the machine's processor 202 will then, prior to vending the
second item, subtract 422 the price for the second item and return
an updated file containing both purchases to the user's cell phone
file. The vending machine will then deliver 504 the product.
[0064] When the customer leaves the area and communication is lost
508 with the cell phone, the vending machine will encrypt and close
the transaction data file and store the file in memory for later
retrieval by the vendor.
[0065] When the machine's products are replenished a copy of the
transaction data file will be downloaded 510 by the vendor sales
representative. The files may then be forwarded 512 to the PPC for
payment at first opportunity, typically when the vendor sales
representative returns to the warehouse. The PPC will then decrypt
the file and move 514 the price of the vend item(s) from the
customer's account to the vending company's account.
[0066] The transaction data file information may include the
following information, by way of example and not limitation:
TABLE-US-00001 1] Cell Phone Number 555 000 0000 2] Account #
48839723037 3] PPC ID 33445566998877 4] Credit Limit $25.00 Based
on credit history/ FICA score 5] Date/Time/Stamp 9/6/2006 9:18:26
PM 6] Product sold New Cola 16 oz 7] Purchase Amount $5.45 8] Age
(Alcohol/Tobacco/Lottery) 27 9] Account privileges, discounts 10]
Promotional coupons 11] Number of purchases 12 12] Vending Machine
Number 123456789 13] Remote inventory reporting 78 16 OZ Bottles
14] Coins $78.50 15] 1.00 Bills $24 16] 5.00 Bills $4 17] Credit
Cards $37.00
[0067] The cell phone number and account number identify the
customer and account respectively. The PPC ID identifies the
payment processing center where the account is maintained. The
credit limit identifies the remaining finds available for future
purchases. The date/time stamp is the date and time of the
transaction. The product sold and purchase amount are for the
transaction.
[0068] Customer's age may be provided if the customer wishes to buy
age limited products such as alcohol and tobacco. (One embodiment
uses fingerprint data to enable the transaction; thus, the cell
phone cannot be given to an underage person to buy the
product).
[0069] Account privileges and discounts may also be provided.
Number of purchases may be recorded and may be used to offer
coupons and discounts.
[0070] In a further embodiment, the vending company may gather
spending pattern data on the customer and may send the customer
advertisements and special offers, such as discount coupons that
may be used as payment or part payment through the system.
[0071] The vending machine number and owner information may also be
provided. The information reported may also include other
information such as machine inventory or service status or other
information that is useful to the vending company.
[0072] In one embodiment, the account information is encrypted
using fingerprint data from the fingerprint reader. A fingerprint
is recognized using minutiae points. The minutiae points are the
points of intersection of the lines of the fingerprint. The
minutiae point information may be used as part of an encryption
code. The encryption may use a two part code. One half will be the
finger print minutia file and the other half will be held in the
vending machine only. For example:
TABLE-US-00002 Vending Machine Key Minutiae Points
83645782945732904 8839164532759052190757215829595223237523984
[0073] When the customer presses a finger to the fingerprint
reader, the cell phone's short range wireless transceiver will send
the Minutiae Points to the vending machine. This also authorizes
the vending machine to copy your account file from cell phone. This
method will prevent someone close by from intercepting the short
range transceiver file data during transmission to the vending
machine.
[0074] In one embodiment, the vending machine key and the minutiae
points may be used together as a key or password for a data
encryption method to encrypt transaction data. The two keys may be
concatenated or summed or otherwise combined and used as a password
for a conventional encryption method.
[0075] In an alternative embodiment, other forms of encryption may
be used as are known in the art.
[0076] FIG. 6 shows an exemplary parking meter in accordance with
the present invention. The parking meter of FIG. 6 may provide a
number of services related to parking time. Referring to FIG. 6,
the parking meter 602 comprises a display 208 for showing the time
remaining, a processor 202 for processing the account information
and running the meter display 208, and a clock 212 and battery 216.
The parking meter 602 includes a short range wireless interface 204
for communicating information to the user's cell phone 102. The
meter 602 may also include one or more light emitting diodes
(LED)'s 606 to indicate status such as valid and expired parking
time. The meter 602 may include a mounting flange 604 or other
means for attaching to a meter pole.
[0077] FIG. 7 shows the meter 602 on a pole 702 with a meter number
704 posted on the pole 702. In one embodiment, the meter number 704
may be from a block or group of meter numbers wherein the meter
number 704 identifies the particular meter being used. The meter
identification number 704 may be an alphanumeric string including
letters, symbols, or punctuation as well as numeric characters.
Also shown is a sonar detector 708 for detecting the presence or
absence of an automobile. A parking information sign 706 may
indicate information of interest. Also shown is a short range
wireless link enabled cell phone 102 in communication with the
meter using the short range wireless link 204.
[0078] FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating the steps required for
utilizing the present invention to both park and exit a street
parking meter. Prior to parking, the user establishes an account
with the PPC associated with the parking authority. PPC accounts
may be as previously discussed with reference to FIG. 4.
[0079] Referring to FIG. 8, the user enters 802 the parking zone
and parks the automobile. The user then enables the parking feature
of the cell phone. In one embodiment a dedicated key may be
provided for parking. In another embodiment, the user presses the
fingerprint reader or enters a PIN. The user then selects the
parking mode on the cell phone and presses a park key 302 on the
cell phone to activate 804 the parking meter. By pressing the park
key 302 the user places the cell phone's short range wireless
transceiver in a discovery mode which will then authorize the
parking meter 602 to interrogate the cell phone's memory where the
encrypted payment account file is maintained. A copy of file is
then moved 808 to parking meter and decrypted 810 to expose the
file contents. The file contents may contain, by way of example and
not limitation:
TABLE-US-00003 1] Cell Phone Number 451 284 6298 2] Account #
48839723037 3] Credit Limit $25.00 Based on credit history/FICA
score 4] Date/Time/Stamp 9/6/2006 9:18:26 PM 5] Purchase Amount
$5.45
[0080] If a credit limit is exceeded 812, a message will be
displayed and parking prohibited 816. If funds are available, the
transaction file will be started 818 and a copy sent to the cell
phone 820 to indicate how much time is available.
[0081] The meter 602 will then start 822 the meter's parking time
clock 212 for the maximum amount of time available for that meter
602, as assigned by the parking authority. When finished parking,
the user presses 824 the park key 302 again to stop the clock and
terminate the charging. (In one embodiment, the park key 302 may be
a dedicated key 302.) The meter 602 will update 826 the users file
with the amount of parking time, the cost, and a date stamp, and
then encrypt the file. An encrypted copy of the file is then sent
back to the user's cell phone for storage. The meter will maintain
the meter's copy of the file until the parking authority downloads
828 the file during a regular meter patrol visit. Since the
wireless link has a range of typically 10 meters, the parking
authority need only drive by to download files from the meter and
update the meter. Upon returning to the office, the parking
authority may then send 830 the files to the PPC for payment. In
one embodiment, the parking authority may act as the PPC.
[0082] If the user vacates the parking space without pressing the
park key and terminating the parking time, the meter's sonar
detector 708 will detect the auto leaving, then close the account
with the correct charges. The user will be required to call the PPC
110 on some schedule based on their payment history to send the
payment files accumulated on their cell phone and to update
spending limits in the account data file. The PPC 110 may compare
files downloaded from the cell phone 102 with files downloaded from
the parking meters 602.
Multi Space Parking Meters
[0083] Some locations may use multi space meters to cut down on
vandalism, and save on manufacturing cost. With a multi-space
meter, one meter may serve a group of parking spaces or a whole
parking lot. To use the invention with a multi-space meter, one
follows the steps of FIG. 8 for a street parking meter with the
additional step of entering a space number. One may then receive a
receipt to be placed on the dash of the car indicating electronic
payment of parking time. Upon returning to the car, one may again
use the short range wireless link to terminate parking time and
complete the charges.
[0084] FIG. 9 shows a vending machine that vends high priced items
such as cameras, cell phones, perfume and over the counter drugs.
Referring to FIG. 9, the vending machine 104 displays the item 902
and an item number 904 that may be used to select the item 902
using the cell phone 102. Selection methods may be as described
with reference to FIG. 3. When a user makes a purchase from the
vending machine 104 of FIG. 9, the user's credit limit may be
exceeded. After pressing the vend key 302 on cell phone 102 the
machine 104 will interrogate the users file for credit
availability. If it is not sufficient for the purchase the vending
machine may dial the PPC via the user's cell phone 102 to get
authorization for additional funding for the users account. If
additional funding is granted by the PPC the machine 104 will vend
the item. If no funding is available the machine 104 will close the
account and terminate the short range wireless connection.
[0085] FIG. 10 illustrates the entry way to a public transportation
system that has short range wireless readers for issuing tickets.
The user sets up an account with the PPC and activates the cell
phone as described with reference to FIG. 4. Referring to FIG. 10,
the user enters the station and may activate the cell phone's
transportation software by pressing a key 302 on the short range
wireless enabled cell phone 102. The user then passes the cell
phone 102 over the reader 1002 on the walk way railing. The reader
1002 copies and decrypts the account file from the cell phone 102
to see the available credit limit. In one embodiment, the short
range wireless transceiver will make a one time charge to the
account file then encrypt the file and send it back to the cell
phone 102 and allow passage. In an alternative embodiment, the
reader 1002 will open a transaction account, which may be used to
travel to an unknown location in the transportation system where
the transaction account may be closed when exiting the system, with
the total dollar amount added to the cell phone account file at
that time.
[0086] FIG. 11 illustrates a fast food restaurant 1102 with a short
range wireless transceiver connected to a Point of Sale (POS)
system 1104 for processing food orders for both over the counter
and drive through. Food is ordered and delivered to the customer
according to the normal process for the restaurant. Payment,
however may be done by cell phone 102 using the PPC account.
[0087] Restaurants and other retail establishments may also receive
funds from customers to be credited to the PPC account to increase
the account's spending limit.
[0088] FIG. 12 illustrates a piconet interconnecting a group of
vending machines being approached by a buyer with a cell phone. A
piconet is a short range wireless network, for example, a
Bluetooth.RTM. piconet. Referring to FIG. 12, the piconet comprises
a master vending machine 1202 and a group of slave vending machines
1204. The piconet wireless protocol may be the same or may be a
different protocol from the wireless link 204 connecting the cell
phone 102 to the master vending machine 1202.
[0089] When the cell phone 102 enters the vending machine area and
initiates communications with the master vending machine 1202, the
cell phone 102 gains access to any vending machine 1202, 1204 in
the network. The cell phone 102 may view all product selections or
may view a particular machine's product selections.
[0090] In one embodiment, all machines are capable of communicating
with the cell phone and with one another on the piconet because the
piconet uses the same short range wireless access protocol as the
cell phone.
[0091] To reconcile accounts at the PPC, the user may press a key
on the cell phone 102 to initiate a call to the PPC, or preferably
the cell phone may automatically make the call after communications
is lost with the vending machines. This call may be made after each
visit to the vending area or after a prescribed dollar amount has
been spent, or after some number of visits set by the PPC based on
the credit history of the account holder. This call may also send
additional information such as date, or shortage on an item, or the
outage of a machine in the vending complex.
[0092] FIG. 13 illustrates an in-car parking meter in accordance
with the present invention. The in-car parking meter 1302 is a
device that may be displayed from the inside of a car to indicate
parking time. The in car parking meter 1302 comprises a clock 212
for maintaining parking time, a processor 202, a display 208 for
displaying parking time and other information, a short range
wireless transceiver 204, and a battery 216. The in car parking
meter may have a hanger 1306 to hang the meter on a rear view
mirror.
[0093] To start parking, the user may press the parking key 1304 on
the in-car meter 1302. The meter 1302 may display the remaining
time on the display 208. The remaining time and meter number may
alternately be displayed on the display 208. To stop the meter, the
user may press the start/stop button 1304. The meter 1302 may be
affixed to or permanently mounted in the automobiles infrastructure
or kept in the glove compartment.
[0094] A receiving unit 1308 for communicating with the in-car
parking meter 1302 may be mounted on a sidewalk 1312 pole 1310, in
an existing parking meter, or imbedded inside the sidewalk or other
convenient location. The receiving unit 1308 will make a copy of
the account in the in-car meter 1302 of FIG. 13. The parking
authority may then download the account copy when making routine
meter patrol visits. The account copy may then be presented to the
PPC 110 for payment.
[0095] FIG. 14 shows the rear view of FIG. 13 with display
alternately displaying the remaining time and the meter number.
[0096] FIG. 15 illustrates an alternative in-car meter in
accordance with the present invention. Referring to FIG. 15, the
meter 1502 of FIG. 15 may be controlled by using the short range
wireless link enabled cell phone 102. The cell phone 102 is
activated as described with reference to FIG. 8, and the parking
function is selected. The meter 1502 may be activated by the cell
phone 102 by pressing the park key 302.
[0097] A receiving unit 1308 (see FIG. 13) for communicating with
the in car parking meter 1502 may be mounted on a sidewalk pole, in
an existing parking meter, or imbedded inside the sidewalk. The
receiving unit 1308 will make a copy of the account of the in-car
meter of FIG. 15. The parking authority may then download the
account copy when making routine meter patrol visits. The account
copy may then be presented to the PPC 110 for payment. The meter
may display the meter number and remaining time for parking.
[0098] One advantage of a wireless, particularly a radio based
wireless link is that it may operate through ice and snow. In one
embodiment, the in-car parking meter may include a laser or other
light source mounted on the underbelly of the car to indicate
parking status. Since the underbelly would be exposed during snow
of a few inches, the light would be visible.
[0099] FIG. 16 shows the rear view of FIG. 15 with display
alternately displaying the remaining time and the meter number.
[0100] FIG. 17 illustrates an exchange of money by two users with
short range wireless link enabled cell phones 102 in conjunction
with a cellular tower 1706. In one embodiment, a first user
contacts the PPC with a first cell phone 1702 for permission to
send money to a second user using a second cell phone 1704. The PPC
sends the first user and the second user an exact frequency to use
and at an exact time.
[0101] The transactions may be completely anonymous by using an
account number when contacting the PPC rather than the depending on
the cell phone number. Each cell phone user may have a unique
ten-digit account code or number. The customer should be the master
of the two and initiate the call to the PPC. Before departing and
exchanging the purchased item both cell phones should reflect the
dollar amount exchanged with updated account information from the
PPC. This feature may be used by small merchants where no POS
system is in place that contains a short range wireless
transceiver. For example, a merchant and customer at an outdoor
garage sale may use the present system. When the customer departs
there is no remaining contact information, just as if the customer
paid cash.
[0102] FIG. 18 through FIG. 25 illustrate an encryption method
based on a PIN, which may be used with the short range wireless
link of the present invention.
[0103] FIG. 18 shows an exemplary code table 1800. The code table
1800 contains 10,000 randomly selected one digit numbers (0-9).
Each number 1804 has an associated four digit code number which may
range from 0000 to 9999. Each vending machine contains the same
code table. The table 1800 shown has 72 single digit values 1804
shown for simplicity. A start position 1802 is shown for 00:00 GMT.
Other code table positions 1806 are shown. The code table 1800
rotates clockwise one position each minute. The code table
rotations start at a designated time, for example: 00:00 GMT,
Greenwich Mean Time. The start position of the wheel is a start PIN
for the customer, i.e., the code table is first rotated so that the
start PIN is at the top of the wheel. The start position for a
vending machine is as determined by the PPC. All vending machines
start at the same location and time. The process continues until
the time of the transaction.
[0104] At the time of transaction, the transaction data to be
encrypted are centered around the start PIN and summed with the
corresponding outside ring random numbers. The resulting sum is
transmitted along with the PIN. The receiving end decrypts the data
by rotating the table according to the PIN and subtracting the
corresponding outside ring random from the received data.
[0105] When the data are encrypted, synchronizing data are appended
to the beginning and end of the data to verify the timing. Since
some vending machines may run independently of a clock source, some
clock drift may occur. The synchronizing data may be used to verify
timing by trying timing one or two minutes earlier or later to find
the timing that produces the correct synchronizing data. When the
correct timing is found, the vending machine clock may be adjusted
to correct for drift since the cell phone clock will be set by the
network traceable to a time standard.
[0106] In a preferred embodiment, all vending machines and parking
meters will start the code table wheel at the same position at the
same GMT time. Each cell phone account will start on a unique
position or on a unique GMT time.
[0107] By pressing the vending/parking key on cell phone the user
will move the cell phone's code wheel to the current GMT time to
match vending machine's code wheel time.
[0108] After each purchase the vending machine or parking meter
will leave the cell phone's code table location intact if the
credit amount has not been used up. If the amount has been reached
or exceeded the vending machine will move the cell phone's code
table rotation by some known factor that only the PPC will be
privileged to, which renders the account inoperable.
[0109] When the customer runs out of funds in the PPC account on
the cell phone, the customer may call the PPC and make
arrangements, such as a credit card payment, to fund the PPC
account. Alternatively, the customer may visit a retailer connected
with the system to add funds to the PPC account.
[0110] The PPC may then call the cell phone to recalibrate the cell
phone's code table and add additional funds to the account
information stored in the cell phone.
[0111] In an alternative embodiment using an alternative encryption
method, a passkey can be established by using 19:44 & 5150-4831
from above. In particular, using a Bluetooth.RTM. or similar
transceiver link, pairs of devices may establish a trusted
relationship by learning a shared secret known as the passkey. A
device that wants to communicate only with a trusted device can
cryptographically authenticate the identity of the other device.
Trusted devices may also encrypt the data that they exchange over
the air so that no one can listen in. The encryption can however be
turned off and passkeys are stored on the device's file system and
not the Bluetooth.RTM. chip itself. Since the Bluetooth.RTM.
address (Every Bluetooth device has a unique 48-bit address.) is
permanent, a pairing will be preserved even if the Bluetooth name
is changed. Pairs can be deleted at any time by either device.
Devices will generally require pairing or will prompt the owner
before it allows a remote device to use any or most of its
services.
[0112] Further alternative encryption methods may be used with the
present invention as are know by one skilled in the art.
[0113] FIG. 19 shows a vending machine code table 1900 and shows a
first synchronizing data sequence 1902 and a second synchronizing
data sequence 1904. The vending machine is shown with a reference
location 49:89. The reference location will be assigned the GMT
time of 00:00. All vending machines will be set to the same
location. The correct GMT time for new vending machines will set by
the installer calling the PPC for a number to input into the
machine when it is set up at the location.
[0114] FIG. 20 shows a first cell phone code table 2000 with a
first cell phone account number 2002 being encrypted with a PIN
2004 of 19:44. FIG. 20 also shows the first synchronizing data
sequence 1902 and the second synchronizing data sequence 1904. Each
cell phone user will have a vending mode PIN (typically a four
digit number) which is required to be input into cell phone in
order to activate the VEND Key. The vending mode PIN is separate
from the PIN 19:44 of FIG. 20. If phone is lost/stolen, a call to
the PPC to report the lost cell phone can deactivate the payment
account. The PPC or user can call the lost cell phone and entering
a special code to deactivate the vending function of the cell
phone.
[0115] Reference 1902 & 1904 (5619-8355) are the
synchronization numbers used to determine correct timing.
[0116] Reference 2002 (09417893) are the unique eight digit account
numbers assigned to cell phone number one by the PPC.
[0117] Reference 2006 (5150-4831) are the outside numbers from the
10,000 at that point in GMT time determined by their PIN 19:44,
reference 2004.
[0118] When the cell phone user types in the user's four digit
vending PIN (which activates their VEND key) the user's cell
phone's transceiver will send the user's internal PIN (19:44) plus
the synchronization numbers 5619-8355 and account numbers by
sending the sum of the synchronization numbers and account numbers
with the corresponding outside numbers 5150-4831 which is its
current GMT time location.
[0119] The vending machine will move backwards in time by the
amount of the cell phones PIN (1944) from its current GMT
location.
[0120] It will now compare the eight digit code (5150-4831) it
received from the cell phones transceiver to the location that it
moved to by the PIN 19:44.
[0121] If a match is found the vending machine will move to the
next step.
[0122] The cell phone user will not be privileged to the internal
PIN (19:44) and the eight digit code (5150-4831) since they may
change after each use or after some time frame.
[0123] FIG. 21 shows a second cell phone code table 2100 with a
second cell phone account number 2102 being encrypted with an
internal PIN 2104 of 86:24. FIG. 20 also shows the first
synchronizing data sequence 1902 and the second synchronizing data
sequence 1904.
[0124] FIG. 22 shows the first cell phone account number being
decrypted at the vending machine and shows alignment 2202 of the
vending machine code table 1900 and first cell phone code table
2000.
[0125] FIG. 23 shows the second cell phone account number being
decrypted at the vending machine and shows alignment 2302 of the
vending machine code table 1900 and second cell phone code table
2100
[0126] FIG. 24 and FIG. 25 illustrate exemplary steps for operating
a vending machine using a PIN in accordance with the present
invention. Referring to FIG. 24, many of the steps are similar to
the steps described with reference to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, as can be
inferred from the use of the same reference number. One difference
is reflected in step 2402. Vending is initiated by entering a
vending PIN. The vending PIN is used to enable the encryption of
the transaction data. Also, in FIG. 25, 2502, the cell phones clock
must be reset by PPC after each vending operation. In the process
of FIG. 24 and FIG. 25, the vending operation is performed without
a cell phone call on the cell network. Cell phone calls may be
performed later at some convenient time to reconcile accounts.
[0127] In an alternative embodiment, the vending process is
followed immediately with a reporting cell phone call to maintain
records current. The steps of an exemplary process are as follows:
The user presses a vend key on the cell phone, which sends a stored
PIN to the vending machine. The vending machine then delivers the
product. After communications is lost with vending machine or
dollar amount is exhausted, the cell phone automatically calls a
number, for example 800 000 8273, which is the vending machine's
account number. The cell phone may then call another number, for
example 800 000 0065, to report the amount of purchase. The cell
phone may then call another number, for example 800 000 9381, to
report the item purchased. The PPC may then call the cell phone
from a particular number, such as 800 000 3481, which is used to
reset the encryption code table and PIN for next vending operation.
The cell phone user will thus not be required to remember any PIN.
This process allows the PPC to instantly move funds from the cell
phones account to the vending machine's account and keep track of
the vending machine's inventory. This process will also allow a
retail establishment to add money to the cell phone's account.
Conclusion
[0128] One should understand that numerous variations may be made
by one skilled in the art based on the teachings herein. Such
variations include but are not limited to variations in color
scheme, label text, placement and size of controls, and number of
controls. The exact function of controls may be varied within a
class of similar functions.
[0129] The present invention has been described above with the aid
of functional building blocks illustrating the performance of
specified functions and relationships thereof. The boundaries of
these functional building blocks have been arbitrarily defined
herein for the convenience of the description. Alternate boundaries
can be defined so long as the specified functions and relationships
thereof are appropriately performed. Any such alternate boundaries
are thus within the scope and spirit of the claimed invention. One
skilled in the art will recognize that these functional building
blocks can be implemented by discrete components, application
specific integrated circuits, processors executing appropriate
software and the like or any combination thereof.
[0130] While various embodiments of the present invention have been
described above, it should be understood that they have been
presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Thus, the
breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by
any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be
defined only in accordance with the following claims and their
equivalents.
* * * * *